Oswego County Health Department: No more synthetic marijuana

The New York State Department of Health banned the sale and distribution of synthetic marijuana products last week — and the Oswego County Health Department has already began the process of notifying businesses.

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah issued the order banning the sale and distribution of synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid products last Monday.

Assemblyman Will Barclay said he welcomed the news that Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered the state health department to ban dangerous drugs.

“I am pleased that Governor Cuomo and the health department have taken a strong stance and banned the sale and distribution of synthetic marijuana,” said Barclay. “This harmful drug has been a threat to the safety and well-being of our children for too long and I am glad that our youth will no longer be legally exposed to its dangerous effects.”

Barclay introduced legislation in January, proposing to prohibit the sale and distribution of chemical compounds that mimic the effects of marijuana. A petition was also launched to gain support for the legislation.